as in excellent
of the very best kind
a first-string rendition of the musical piece
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Recent Examples of first-string
While the Steelers gave Warren a modest contract extension just before the start of the season, there really is no definitive first-string running back, which is just the way offensive coordinator Arthur Smith likes it.
—
CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025
The Colorado product will be expected to improve after operating as the team's first-string quarterback with Gabriel remaining in the NFL's concussion protocol.
—Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 23 Nov. 2025
Tustin’s first-string defense was just as overwhelming, holding the Vanguards to negative-16 yards in the first half while the offense built a 48-0 lead.
—Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025
Most importantly, many defensive special-teams rushers are first-string players, whereas the blockers tend to be second- and third-string players.
—J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
On a rest day for Bo Nix and much of the Broncos’ first-string crew, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and a few key depth pieces, led the Broncos to a 27-7 beatdown of the Cardinals at Empower Field on Saturday night.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025
That is an obvious but nevertheless tempting play with Burrow and the first-string offense in action.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025
That has not kept Henderson from receiving snaps with Maye and the rest of the first-string offense, however.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 July 2025
Young guys typically have to earn their way to first-string snaps.
—Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025
The Colorado product will be expected to improve after operating as the team's first-string quarterback with Gabriel remaining in the NFL's concussion protocol.
—Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 23 Nov. 2025
Tustin’s first-string defense was just as overwhelming, holding the Vanguards to negative-16 yards in the first half while the offense built a 48-0 lead.
—Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025
Most importantly, many defensive special-teams rushers are first-string players, whereas the blockers tend to be second- and third-string players.
—J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
On a rest day for Bo Nix and much of the Broncos’ first-string crew, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and a few key depth pieces, led the Broncos to a 27-7 beatdown of the Cardinals at Empower Field on Saturday night.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025
That is an obvious but nevertheless tempting play with Burrow and the first-string offense in action.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025
That has not kept Henderson from receiving snaps with Maye and the rest of the first-string offense, however.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 July 2025
Young guys typically have to earn their way to first-string snaps.
—Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string
Adjective
-
The large cast of smaller roles and chorus is excellent.—
Classical Music Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Evans Scholars must have a strong caddie record, excellent academics, demonstrated financial need and outstanding character, the release said.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Business interests favor relocating City Hall, using that prime real estate to propel development downtown.—
Devyani Chhetri,
Dallas Morning News,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Cast members, the show’s official account and celebrities across genres flooded social media with praise for the mother-daughter duet — and for the choice to spotlight a current Broadway number on a prime daytime television slot.—
Ryan Brennan
March 3,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The orthodox Jewish school Shalhevet enjoyed a terrific season even though their longtime coach, Ryan Coleman, left for Milken.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
-
The Trojans peaked at the right time and are living large behind a terrific defense and an efficient-enough offense.—
Martin Henderson,
Oc Register,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The Malibu oceanfront corner one-bedroom suites are standouts for their floor-to-ceiling windows and posh dining areas with stellar views of the beach and the nearby pier that lights up the night sky with its kaleidoscopic Ferris wheel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Mar. 2026
-
There’s not a moment in this movie that isn’t full of mood-boosting charm, from the stellar soundtrack to the era-perfect hairdos.—
Rachel Simon,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
In this case and elsewhere, Rakoff has shown a superb grasp of technology issues.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Underscoring the wellness aspects of a stay here are other amenities, like the rooftop pool, the state-of-the-art gym, and a superb spa, which includes a hammam and sauna along with a dedicated space for wellness as a ritual.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
However, how many of them actually come to be inhabited remains a great unknown, with deeper questions — like how many of them turn into technologically advanced civilizations — requiring us to estimate further unknowns atop them.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Lewis, 64, is considered by many one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
That’s why their new album, wonderful, leaves me a little cold.—
Mano Sundaresan,
Pitchfork,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Varley’s elevation this season is a wonderful turn for Ashbourne, an icon of British film, TV, and theater who has long been one of Bridgerton’s most consistently comedic presences.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
This is a really lovely thing, because actually essentially the craft becomes a vehicle for people then having other health promoting behaviors like engaging with others.—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Make the most of juicy spring strawberries with this light and lovely salad.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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